First tour to Italy
 

My husband & I are planning out 1st trip to Italy in mid-October. With so many tour packages available, can you recommend any 1 or 2 particular tour packages that are better than others. We plan to visit Rome, Venice and Florence. <BR>Also would you recommend an escorted, hosted or independent tour for the first time traveler? <BR>I've been looking at Central Holidays Tours, Collette Tours and Donna Franca tours.Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. <BR>Thanks-taz

My wife and I face the same quandary for our first European trip, which also was to the same three cities in Italy. Because we were very experienced travelers in the U.S. and were used to and comfortable and confident with doing it on our own, we didn't want a "hand-held" tour, but at the same time were a little nervous about doing a foreign country totally on our own the first time. After much research, we decided on what is called an "independent tour." We booked ours through American Express, though I know you can book the exact same package through Delta and probably others. The Amex tour is called "Italy by Rail." What you get during the 10 days is hotel with breakfast (3 nights in Rome, 2 each in Florence and Venice and 1 in Milan), 3 first-class train tickets (Rome to Florence, Florence to Venice and Venice to Milan) and excellent half-day tours in each of the three cities. We decided to go 3 days earlier to spend extra time in Rome. <BR>We were totally satisfied with the package. The hotels were more than satisfactory. We liked the freedom to be on our own (we did a lot of research before going). It was great to have our train travel all set for us in advance. We were able to get out every night to eat in the local restaurants with the locals (many tour packages include dinners, which deprives you of this experience).

Brought to the top for Jan.

Howard's comments have much merit for first time travelers to Europe. <BR> <BR>One of the problems with many/most such packages is an ill-distribution of time amongst cities. The notion of adding extra time for Rome is wise. <BR> <BR>One caution: for most packages you'll have a choice of hotels. Be sure and select one that's centrally located. You'll find it worthwhile in terms of easier access to sights and greater choice of restaurants. <BR> <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com

Ed, thanks for the kind words. I'm flattered. <BR>Ed makes a good point about locations. The package I mentioned has hotels near the railroad stations. We found it convenient for walking to and from the station with our luggage. While supposedly not the recommended areas for convenience to tourist sites, in all three cases (i.e., Rome, Florence and Venice), we had no problem getting around the cities either by walking or (in the case of Rome) taking public transportation. In fact, in Florence and Venice, never once took any form of public transportation and walked everywhere. <BR>And, we never had to go very fine to find restaurants and other conveniences. And finally, safety was never a concern or problem.

Tp the top for Liz.

I'd be glad to talk with you about small group custom, but not necessarily) tours with you if you are interested in writing to me. <BR> <BR>Besides the good advice available from Howard and on Ed's website, Perrillo tours get a lot of good press. <BR> <BR>I have never heard of Donna Franca tours - - source of info?